Local Hull promoters Steve Pollard and Tony Dunn are proud to announce that they have none other than Manos De Piedra (Hands of Stone), the one, the only, Roberto Duran.
Duran is touring the UK to promote his up and coming Hollywood blockbuster, which has a massive star studded cast including the likes of Robert De Niro playing the part of Ray Arcel and singer Usher who takes on the part of Roberto’s old nemesis, Sugar Ray Leonard. Obviously intent on hitting all the major hot spots of the UK, he’s decided to include the 2017 City of Culture (Hull!) as part of tour. Duran is legendary within boxing and sporting circles and his presence will certainly help to highlight Hull as a place and it’s achievements in recent years, which may have otherwise gone under a lot of media radars. In recent years, Hull has grown in stature boasting a premier league football team, two super league rugby teams and Olympic gold medallist boxer by way of Luke Campbell.
However, there is far more to Hull’s sporting history than simply ‘recent years.’ Former IBO and IBF world featherweight champion Paul Ingle, used to train in Hull under the strict tutelage of Steve Pollard for his entire professional career, spanning from 1994 – 2000. Steve is no novice to the boxing world himself. At one point he was quite unique due to holding every professional licence available within boxing, as a fighter, trainer, manager and promoter, not to mention boxing on his own promotions with the boxers he trained and managed.
Having been a professional boxer himself for 17 years, and often compared to Duran for his roughhouse tactics inside the ring (i.e – being banned from amateur boxing for life!), he still runs a successful boxing gym now, which holds great historical significance in the local area and is looking to provide great opportunities for future generations of people. In recent weeks, after a lot of hard work, Steve has been able to secure funding to get the 100 year old gym totally renovated. A local organisation called the Smile Foundation have stepped in, with the help of construction giants Barrett Homes to totally transform the gym into a brand new hub, incorporating a gym with a community centre and a café. The photos show before and after shots of the club, with the recent photo being taken from the open day, with MP Alan Johnson, Steve Pollard and Sean Smith either side, and the dream team from Barrett Homes standing in the ring behind, having worked like crazy for two weeks solid to make it happen.
The aim is to appeal to all ages, all abilities, without any discrimination, whilst developing the club into pro-am boxing status. Having served his own amateur career under the guidance of Bill Sanderson at this very same club (Kingston Boxing Club – Hull), Steve wants to be able to offer future generations of people the same opportunities he did, whilst passing on his own wealth of knowledge.
Roberto Duran will be appearing at the Kingston suite, KC Stadium on Sat 6th September. The evening will include a 3 course meal, a personal photo with Duran, Film footage of some of his greatest fights, Q&A session, memorabilia auction, plus comedian Jed Stone. Tickets are priced @ £75 for this once in a lifetime event.
Sponsorship packages are available, if you require anymore information or would like to book your seat call Steve Pollard on 07951229351.
